Information for Parent's

Frequently Asked Questions?

Why join TKE?

 

Through our membership development and education programs, each member of TKE is provided with the resources and tools that will help him achieve his personal best in all areas of college life and prepares him for success after graduation. Our men embody the principles promoted by the Fraternity and are poised for success. They belong to TKE..."The Fraternity for Life."

Aren't fraternities just like the one shown in the movie "Animal House?"

 

Nobody likes stereotypes. Unfortunately, after the showing of that movie, fraternity members have been categorized as partiers, irresponsible, and abusive. In reality, fraternities are value-based organizations dedicated to the development of character and lifelong friendship.

Don’t fraternities promote excessive drinking?

 

Absolutely not. Alcohol abuse is unhealthy and inconsistent with the ideals of Tau Kappa Epsilon. Every individual member and the chapter is expected to uphold federal, state, county, and city laws, and university policies regarding the consumption of alcohol.

 

I'm concerned about my son's grades--what impact will fraternity membership have?

 

Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from the highly structured high school environment to the freedoms of college. Tau Kappa Epsilon will assist in that transition by offering scholarship programs which might include study partners, mandatory study hours, and time management workshops. Moreover, your son will be able to access the network of brothers who already know how to use campus resources like the library, study skills centers, computer labs, and academic advisors.

 

While Tau Kappa Epsilon is concerned about the academic achievement of its members, your son is still ultimately responsible for utilizing the resources made available

 

What about pledging or hazing?

 

Tau Kappa Epsilon does not condone or tolerate any form of hazing and is committed to a membership education period which instills a sense of responsibility and commitment in the new members. This period will assist your son in overcoming some of his concerns about success in college.

Who is actually in charge of the fraternity?

 

Members elected to officer positions manage the day-to-day operations of the chapter. These officers are assisted by members serving on committees and by alumni who act as advisors.

Doesn't it cost a lot of money to be in a fraternity?

 

The chapter is self-supported through dues charged to all members. In the first year of membership, a few one-time expenses are assessed. It is also important to note that a variety of payment plans are offered by the chapter.

 

Being in a fraternity sounds like it takes a lot of time.

 

Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires an investment of one's time. Research has shown that involved college students are more likely to graduate and they report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Through his involvement with Tau Kappa Epsilon, your son will learn how to balance his academic, work, campus involvement, and social commitments.

 

What is my son going to get out of his membership in Tau Kappa Epsilon?

 

You'll be amazed at what your son will get from his experience in Tau Kappa Epsilon. Joining TKE will round out your son’s collegiate experience. In fact, most alumni say that TKE completed their educational experience by teaching them valuable skills that are not taught in the classroom.

 

Here's what TKE offers: lifelong friends, leadership opportunities, social and athletic activities, academic support and excellence, and networking opportunities.

 

Does my son have to live in the fraternity house?

 

Not nesscery, your son will have the option to live in the house. Also it is likely that your son will want to live in the house to take advantage of the opportunities it presents. We encourage all parents to visit the chapter house at sometime during your son time in Tau Kappa Epsilon. We also encourage you to talk to the men who currently live in the house for more information about what it’s like to live there. We are confident that both you and your son will fondly look back on his time living in the house with his brothers.

 

Other benefits of membership

Service: Each semester fraternity and sorority members at Virginia Tech and across the country participate in a wide variety of community service projects. These projects take many forms and benefit many worthy causes like the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the March of Dimes, the American Red Cross, the Montgomery County Humane Society, and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Leadership: Fraternities  provide ample opportunities for students to gain leadership skills that they often cannot find anywhere else during their collegiate years. Collegiate fraternal organizations are self-governing, self-running communities, so committee members and chapter officers are responsible for the operation of the chapter. TKE also encourage members to hold leadership positions in organizations outside of the chapter.

Brotherhood: The friendships that your son  will experience in a fraternal organization are invaluable. Being initiated into a fraternity  is life-time membership that comes with a family away from home and a constant support group not just during college, but forever.

Career Networking: The Fraternitiy has an active chapter alumni and national alumni associations that are directly involved with the chapters. There are often excellent opportunities to develop relationships with alumni not just in the corporate world of Virginia, but throughout the country and world.